07-Jan-2004 -- The opportunity came by January 06 for a visit to 53 North; 100 West.
The only disappointment was that no one was available to come with me; my son had gone back to University, my dear wife had to work and my friends where busy.
The weather was cold (-22° C) but the forecast was announcing a clear and sunny day for tomorrow, perfect “confluence hunting” weather.
To get there would take me about 350 Km of driving all alone to Grand Rapids where I stayed in a nice motel just over the bridge on the right side. The manager of the motel happens to be from the town of Fisher Branch.
After a good night sleep, breakfast and getting my backpack ready for the adventure, it took me about 75 Km to drive from the hotel to the roadside where the car had to wait.
I walked a short 275m through dense bush, fallen trees, moss clumps and deep snow and then there it was: a nice little clearing and in the southern part of it is “The Spot” 53°00’000’’ North; 100°00’000’’ West.
The sun was bright, the weather magnificent, cool and pristine clean air and both GPS showed same coordinates within 0 m to 2 meters of each other.
Mission accomplished heading home should be a breeze right? Not so fast, after about 100-120 Km I stopped to pinpoint the location where the road (Hwy #6) intersects 52°00’00’’ North, as I was checking the GPS the engine suddenly quit due to a non functional alternator and a discharged battery, now what?? I am standing in the middle of nowhere, at least 60 Km from the nearest town; it was getting late and colder.
A caring native motorist stopped and gave me a push and the car started; the battery gave me enough power to keep the ignition running by turning off the heater fan, day running lights, radio etc. until it gave up the last spark 10 Km short of St. Martin Junction. Another kind native motorist gave me a ride to St. Martin's garage where my car was towed, not wanting to spend a night there, I bought a new battery that got me all the way home without alternator, all the way to Fisher Branch.
I am grateful to the two drivers that helped me and to the people at St. Martin's garage for their assistance. The whole trip was a lot of fun after all!